2021 3rd Quarter Hoosier Legionnaire

Commander Mark Gullion Elected

New Commander Takes Aim At The Future

Mark Gullion, a United States Air Force veteran and a 32-year member of Speedway American Legion Post 500 in Indianapolis, was elected Department Commander by acclamation during the closing moments of the 102nd annual Indiana Department Convention July 10, 2021.

In accepting the office, Commander Gullion put into action his theme for the year -- “Aim High For Success” – by outlining an ambitious plan for returning the Department to normal operations in the wake of shutdowns, personal restrictions, and the suspension of traditional programs imposed on the Department during the pandemic of 2020.

“As the Department of Indiana begins to shake off the effects of the sacrifices and restrictions imposed by Covid-19 pandemic, a note of reassurance seems to be in order. To put it as simply as possible: ‘We’ve got this.’ It won’t be easy and it won’t be overnight, but returning the Department to normal operations is already underway. That process, of course, includes determining what normal is going to look like,” he said.

In outlining his vision for the return to normal, Commander Gullion told the delegates the Department will return to faceto-face meetings. He promised extensive travel throughout the

Department by himself and his officers. And, he assured the delegates, the Department’s longstanding commitment to Indiana’s youth will continue.

“We will gather our young people together for the programs and activities that have long been the hallmark of The American Legion,” he said. “There will be a Hoosier Boys State. There will be an Oratorical Contest. There will be baseball, coloring books, flag education, essay contests, shooting sports competition, law enforcement cadets, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.”

The new commander also called for a renewed commitment to the future of the organization, a future he said depends on “far more than reinvigorating the programs.

“Our long-term survival depends on reinvigorating the lifeblood of this organization: membership. Membership is about people. It is not about forms and records and reports and direct mail – although those things all have their place in a successful membership program. But a return to face-to-face training, coaching, encouraging, and rewarding membership teams at every post and district in the state is central to our plan.”

A Memorial On Wheels

According to the Commander, one of the greatest challenges the department faces in this new future is communicating with not only our members, but also our potential members.

“We have a message, an important message, but competition for the attention of the American public is fierce,” he said.

“At the same time, the attention span is shrinking and the percentage of the population that are veterans is declining rapidly and dramatically, even as our comrades’ needs increase. How we reach them requires serious evaluation, consideration and excellence. Achieving that is critical to our success.”

In closing, the Commander reminded the delegates that “these are complicated undertakings under the best of circumstances, for all of us. Complications, however, do not mean obstacles. Together we can overcome them, and I am asking for your support.

“Thank you, all of you, for your votes and for your confidence in my ability to lead The Department of Indiana into a new day. I am ready for the challenge, and with your support and encouragement I know we will succeed.”

The newly elected commander has served in leadership positions at every organizational level of The American Legion including Post Commander, District Commander and Chairman of all four permanent Commissions of the Department of Indiana. At the National level he has been a member of the National Convention Commission since 2013. Commander Gullion’s project for the coming year is supporting the expansion of the Indiana 9/11 Memorial in downtown Indianapolis to honor the nearly 200 uniformed service personnel who lost their lives in the Pentagon that day.

Department of Indiana to raffle motorcycle with 9/11 Pentagon dust mixed into clearcoat

By Debbie Allen

9/11/2001 is a day that every American remembers. On this day, terror reigned through our Nation. Americans showed their respect by erecting temporary and more permanent memorials.

Memorials were erected to honor and remember those who lost their lives in that ultimate act of cow-

ardice. Lives lost in and during the act. Lives lost in the rescue and recovery missions. Lives lost due to secondary conditions such as depression, PTSD, and other illnesses.

One such memorial is the 9/11 Memorial in Downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. This memorial is being expanded thanks to

the efforts of the American Legion and others. One way funds are being raised for the expansion is by a motorcycle raffle.

The motorcycle, a 1994 Harley Fat Boy, was donated by American Legion Adjutant for Post 64, Kenny Cooper. Kenny purchased the motorcycle in 1997 and added more

chrome, saddle bags, and turn out mufflers. The black painted Harley brought Kenny and his wife, Katie, many years of riding enjoyment.

Unfortunately, due to medical reasons, Kenny had to stop riding the motorcycle. One day, when he was talking with one of his Legion buddies, the

man half-jokingly suggested to Kenny that he should donate it to the fund-raising efforts of the Legion. After brief consideration, Kenny decided that that was exactly what he was going to do.

In March, 2021, Kenny donated the Harley to the Legion. The motorcycle will have a custom patriotic paint job that will include dust from the ashes of the struck Pentagon. The Legion will raffle off the bike this October at Fall Conference. Tickets may be purchased from participating local American Legions posts and American Legion Riders groups for only $10 each or $100 for a book of ten.

The American Legion hopes to raise enough money to expand the already existing 9/11 Memorial by adding a stone from the Pentagon.

“We have a message, an important message, but competition for the attention of the American public is fierce”

Mark Gullion 2021-2022 Commander

Mayor Hogsett Addresses Department Convention

Mayor Joe Hogsett greeted delegates and guests to the 102nd annual Convention in Indianapolis with the proclamation “Enjoy the convention. You deserve it.”

Mayor Hogsett touched on the pandemic and the affect it had on events such as the Indiana Legion convention, but he also noted that the American Legion didn’t sit idly by during the pan-

demic. “…This past year, [your] commitment was on full display in American Legion posts throughout Indiana. Because like many institutions dedicated to community, the American Legion did not sit still in 2020. They continued offering meaningful and valuable services and assistance to our military veterans and their families.”

Sheena Linville, director

of Veteran Services for the City of Indianapolis joined the mayor in attendance and was complimented on her department’s efforts helping veterans. “They connect with our cities brave men and brave women who are veterans and who sometimes need assistance to access the valuable resources that they’ve earned.” Linville and her staff have connected with over 800 vet-

erans in Indianapolis this year and secure an average monthly compensation of over $1000 per person.

The mayor noted that he was excited to see the Convention dedicated to healthcare workers and first responders, saying, “Boy did we always need them, but did we need them over the last 18-months. It’s through the selflessness of our healthcare workers and our

first responders and organizations like the American Legion that we were able to sustain ourselves and to comeback in extraordinarily challenging times.”

The mayor closed with a thank you to Commander Connelly “and all those in the American Legion Department of Indiana who make today, this weekend, and this convention possible.”

Post #173 Junior Shooters Place Fourth In National Air Rifle Competition

Rob Lafary STAFF WRITER

A handful of youth shooting national championships take place all across the country and are sponsored by varying organizations, but the Versailles American Legion Post #173 Junior Shooting Team can now say its name has been stamped at one of those competitions.The junior shooters placed fourth this past weekend at the 2021 Junior Air Rifle National Championship in Griffin, GA. It was the team’s first taste of the national scene.

“We got one day of practice and had two days of shooting for score,” Post #173 coach Jerry Hewitt said of the weekend. “We had our six seniors compete in the match and four shooters count towards your scoring. All six of our seniors received invitations to shoot and they did. You have to earn an invitation.

A big thank you to everyone who has supported this team and helped finance our trip.”

Post #173 finished the two-day event with a score of 4233-113 and just missed third place by 10 points. The team of Nation Ford A won the national title with 4476-168 while the Clover team was runner-up with a 4355-134. Nation Ford B was third with a 4243-113.

Versailles sat in fifth place after day one with a

score of 2104-58, but responded with an improved score of 2129-55 on day two.

Richie Block, Tanner Franklin, Trenton Franklin, Maggie Holt, Mollie Holt and Joe Cairns represented the team for the weekend with Block seeing individual success at the national level. The senior finished among the top eight in the entire field and participated in a national shootoff for top individual honors. He

finished eighth with a score of 1089-35.

The group overall received a multitude of compliments from teams and coaches from all across the country that competed. Many were surprised by the success of a small town team that was still in its infancy and practices on Monday evenings. The team also had the chance to tour the sights prior to competing and was able to visit the Museum of Aviation and the Robins Air Force Base.

Both Hewitt and fellow coach Steve Scoggins expressed their gratitude for the many businesses and individuals that aided the team’s trip alongside Versailles American Legion Post #173.

The following individuals, businesses and organizations were thanked by the coaches for their help: Becky Eaton, Chris Richmond, Brian Rees, Ryan Holcomb, Doug and Hope

Schwanholt, Larry Armbrecht, Gail Deathdrage, Phil Mann, SFC Daniel Bryant Lawson, Glenn and Brenda Steele, Sara Bettis, Ken Brock, Marilyn Hance, Melinda Hunger, Jacki Jones, Precision Style Boutique LLC, Halcomb Home Center, Inc., Pollard’s Bowl and Lounge Inc., Southeastern Water Systems LLC, Stratton-Karstetter Funeral Home, Friendship State Bank, Hardy Insurance, Schmaltz Construction LLC, Flagpole Liquors, Southeastern Indiana REMC, Meisberger and associates, Pat’s Bulk Food, Versailles Lion’s Club and Civista Bank.

Post #173 competes next month in a local virtual meet and begins preparing for March’s CMP Virtual Championship.Editor’s Note: It is interesting to note that on this team there are two sets of twins – the Franklin boys and Holt girls.

Bartels Accepts Legislative Award Military Family Relief Fund Guide

State Representative

Steve Bartels receives the 2021 Distinguished Public Service Award

Indiana State Representative Steve Bartels (R.-74) was honored by the Department of Indiana with the 2021 Distinguished Public Service Award in ceremonies on the platform of the recently concluded 102nd annual Convention in Indianapolis.

The award recognizes Bartel’s efforts to assure passage of House Bill 1264, which changed qualifying requirements for grants from the Military Family Relief Fund. In accepting the award, he credited his success to “a team effort. We can’t do what we do in the Legislature without a big team behind us. I think our duty is to help our veterans. And frankly, some of them need more help than others.”

Department Commander Allen Connelly who, along with Legislative Chairman Kenneth Cooper presented the award, told the conven-

tion delegates, “Many more needy veterans will find themselves eligible due to changes this bill made in current law.”

Bartels, whose father they killed in action in Vietnam, said he sought out one of his father’s former comrades and asked “what do you think about this? He said my Dad would roll over in his grave if you didn’t reach out and help veterans.”

He added “Lawmakers made sure that more of our struggling Hoosier veterans will qualify for financial as sistance. We must extend a hand to those who serve our nation when they need our help.”

The Military Family Re lief Fund is designed to as sist Hoosier veterans and their dependents who are experiencing financial hard ships through grants for meeting basic needs such as housing, food, medical services, and transportation.

The fund is administered through the Indiana Depart ment of Veterans Affairs.

Published in the Versailles Republican

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Competitors from Post #173 in Griffin, GA.

Mark Gullion

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER

I want to take this opportunity to thank every Legionnaire in the Department of Indiana for allowing me the opportunity to serve you as the 102nd Commander of the great Department of Indiana. I have big shoes to fill, following the outstanding work and accomplishments of our immediate Past Commander Allen Connelly.

As the Department of Indiana begins to shake off the effects of the sacrifices and restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, a note of reassurance seems to be in order. To put it as simple as possible: We’ve got this.

It won’t be easy and it won’t be overnight, but returning the Department to normal operations is already underway. That process, of course, includes determining what normal is going to look like.

It’s going to look a lot like it did two years ago: We are going to meet, face-toface. Your leadership is going to travel. We will gather our young people together for the programs and activities that have long been the hallmark of The American Legion:

• There will be a Hoosier Boys State …

• There will be an Oratorical Contest …

• There will be Baseball … Coloring Books … Flag Education … Essay Contests … Shooting Sports … Law Enforcement Cadets … Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts … The list goes on.

Your department leadership has laid out a broad plan for the return to the new normal, and it includes far more than reinvigorating the programs – although if we achieve nothing more than that we will have done well. But our long-term survival depends on reinvigo-

rating the lifeblood of this organization: membership.

I am excited about the aggressive and innovative membership plan that I intend to implement under the supervision of Laurie Bowman, my choice for Membership Chairman.

The hallmark of the plan is extensive travel, coaching, encouragement and face-toface engagement.

Membership is about people. It is not about forms and records and reports and direct mail – although those things all have their place in a successful membership program. But a return to face-to-face training … coaching … encouraging … and rewarding membership teams at every post and district in the state is central to our plan. No … it IS our plan. But its success depends on complete and reliable staffing at headquarters … conducting our traditional events and activities … restoring programs to their most useful forms … and Communication.

That last one may be one of the greatest challenges we face in this new future. We have a message, an important message, but competition for the attention of the American public is fierce – at the same time the attention span is shrinking. Our market – the percentage of the population that are veterans -- is declining rapidly and dramatically, even as our comrades’ needs increase. How we reach them – email, websites, social media – the US Postal Service? – all require serious evaluation, consideration and excellence. Achieving that is critical to our success. These are complicated undertakings under the best of circumstances, for all of us. Complications, however, do not mean obstacles. Together we can overcome them … and I am asking for your support.

As I close, I want to remind you of a very special event that is coming up in September – on the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on our coun-

try. On that date, across the state, the men and women of the American Legion Family, led by the American Legion Riders, will set out on a pilgrimage to assure that the men and women who lost their lives in the Pentagon that day are included among those memorialized in the 9/11 Memorial in downtown Indianapolis.

Long before this day, I committed my Commander’s project to raising $50,000 toward the expansion of that memorial. The pandemic put an end to that idea – or so it seemed. But with the support of the Department Commander and the Department Finance Committee, my commitment to the project was honored by the Department and the contribution was made -- on the condition that any department funds be eventually restored.

I said, “I can do that.”

Then I said to myself, “How am I going to do that?”

I’m going to do that through the proceeds from the Legion-sponsored 9/11 Ride led by the Indiana Chapter of The American Legion Riders. Participant fees, raffles, donations, and contributions to this as my Commander’s Project for 2021-2022 indicate that we will not only reach our goal, but exceed it dramatically. I hope all of you will join me in this long overdue tribute to our comrades in uniform who lost their lives that day. Watch for more information on this, including stops, how to enroll, and other opportunities for participation. This will not be a day just for Riders. It will be a day for all of us.

With that, I thank you once again for your support and your encouragement. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible and renewing old acquaintances. Yes, I will be busy … but not too busy for you. I hope to see you soon. God Bless You … God Bless The American Legion …and God Bless America.

Back to the Future: The New Normal

fort to improve and expand

ed trice

Congratulations to De partment Commander Mark Gullion and all new offi cers. I look forward to an exciting year from you and your officers. District Com

manders, remember that you are the backbone of The Legion, work hard and do your job well, and the department will be stronger because of you.

I would like to thank

Jerry Jorden for the past eight years as a red cap. It

four years and had no arguments, I think that’s a record?

Kenny Cooper(Alt. N.E.C. elect) and I will officially take our new offices at the close of the National Convention in Phoenix on Sept 2, 2021.

Looking forward to a good year, it was nice to see everyone again at the State

HUGH DAGLEY

DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT

As promised in the Adjutant’s Letter last issue and reinforced by the newly elected Department Commander’s pledge that “We’ve got this” -- delivered during his address to convention delegates last month -- great progress is being made in returning the Department to normal operations and activities.

A key component in that progress has been revitalizing operations in the Department Headquarters. There have been some staff turnover, some realignment of responsibilities and some equipment upgrades designed to improve our ability to meet the needs of our members and posts. In those efforts, we have had the full support of our department leadership, the Department Finance Committee and some very helpful volunteers. While the search for a new Department Adjutant continues, we are fortunate to have a new Assistant Adjutant on board. Greg Peete, a member of Post 265 in the Eighth District, brings a wealth of experience in veterans’ issues, non-profit management and Post and District leadership. He will help oversee daily operations and provide support and guidance to key personnel in membership, communications, and meetings.

Debbie Gibbs and Thad Thompson, both former employees at the Indianapolis Marriot Hotel East, each bring more than 30 years’ experience in areas desperately in need of attention at the Department Headquarters: Debbie in meeting planning and administration and Thad in logistics, maintenance, and supply. And, in our continuing ef-

Rose Ann Dzieglowicz ALA PRESIDENT

Hello American Legion Family!

I am truly honored to serve as your new American Legion Auxiliary President for the 20212022 year. The Department Convention was wonderful and a big “Thank You” goes out to all who attended. It was heartwarming to see all the smiling faces back in the Convention Hall after a long journey with COVID-19. Also thanks to everyone who attended my installation on Sunday morning. It was a very special ceremony for me and my family, and now it’s time to get back to work taking care of our veterans, military and their families. My theme for the year is “Remember Our Service to Veterans Everyday”. It’s an acronym for my name Rose, and the red rose signifies love. Now is the time to get back on track after being quarantined and show our love for our Veterans by fully working our programs. It’s our mission to remember all our Veterans sacrificed so we could be free. The least we can do is give our best

the Department’s ability to provide veterans claims assistance, the Service Office has added Jennifer Tyler, an experienced service officer, to its already nationally recognized staff.

These new employees round out a professional staff that has weathered a difficult period in our organization’s history, one characterized by a worldwide pandemic, data system snafus, and upheaval in leadership. It is no small challenge as they adjust to a return to normal working hours, face-to-face meetings, pent-up demand for service, and leading-edge communications and membership processing innovations.

To meet the demands of a return to “normal” we are replacing the entire data system, upgrading the phone system, reorganizing the reception processes in cooperation with the Auxiliary, increasing our property security and protection measures at headquarters, and putting into operation an “annex” to the Department Service Office in the former headquarters building at 777 North Meridian Street.

Meanwhile, if further evidence of a ‘return to normal,’ is wanted, by the time you read this we will have, or soon will, conducted, the Law Enforcement Cadet Academy, participated in National’s Membership Workshops, conducted a New Officer Orientation, sent a full delegation to the National Convention, conducted a major ALRled fund-raiser for the 9/11 Memorial in downtown Indianapolis, participated in POW-MIA Recognition Day, carried out the first District Members Revitalization Drive-around, hosted a visit by the National Commander, and held the Fall Conference.

The new normal looks an awful lot like the old normal. Welcome back.

effort to honor them. My President’s project for the year is IVETS which stands for Indiana Veterans Emergency Transition System. Hoosier Legionnaires are familiar with this program since it was started by The American Legion Department of Indiana specifically to take care of Veterans who don’t have children living in their home. I love the idea of giving immediate financial aid for Indiana Veterans who are struggling to keep the heat on in the winter, paying the rent, needing gas money or other necessary items. My vision is to collect money to help our own Indiana Veterans in need.

My Indiana Veterans Home project is still being decided upon with the help of The American Legion Department of Indiana IVH Chairman. The home has many things on its wish list and IVH is working to prioritize the most important projects.

I look forward to working together as the amazing American Legion Family we are. We all want Indiana to shine, and together we can accomplish great things for our veterans, military and their families. The American Legion Auxiliary just celebrated our first 100 years and, with your help, we can have a successful start to the next 100 years!

National Executive Commmittee Chairperson

NORRIS KEIRN DEPARTMENT CHAPLAIN

Sometime in late 1969, Dennis Bowland was assigned to my unit. He was a re-tread, serving his second tour in Vietnam. A number returned to the states, even were discharged and then re-enlisted to come back. It was common to find corporals, sergeants and especially staff NCO’s who were on second tours. It seems contrary to popular ideas about Vietnam veterans. Of course there were a few like me who had stayed continuously, I had been there since the beginning of the Tet offensive in 1968.

The war was changing as we were finishing up the second “bloodiest year”, making great strides with our CAP units and stabilizing the countryside. While it looked like we were winning in our AO we were losing political opinion on the Homefront. However, that news only reached us in trickles through new replacements and made us want to stay longer. We did not fit in back home anymore.

It is amazing how fast you age in combat. It also must be remembered that at this point we long-timers had burnt off our teenage years and were turning legal age to vote (21)! Dennis brought back the memories of the great buildup of troops and the greater action days of old (only two years before). He and I shared rank, experience, and many other things and fast became buddies. He was later sent out to one of our batteries, yet every time we saw each other we had a great reunion.

The Marines began their pull out of Vietnam in 1970. I had filed another extension in late April only to be turned down in early May. Replacements ceased to come. As the unit dwindled, I was assigned the Master Sargant’s job replacing a great mentor of two prior wars who was now headed for retirement. Having exhausted all attempts to remain, now I rotated to the States with the understanding that after completing Embassy School I would return.

In the wisdom of the Corps and having a bit too long in combat, I found myself at Camp Pendleton in California. One day, as I was going to my assignment of processing the returned materials for my old unit in Vietnam, I came upon a formation of Marines who returned with the shipment. Out in front reporting before his battery, was Sgt. Bowland. Beginning in a dead run towards him and yelling as loud as a Marine Sgt. could, I called to him while he yelled back, breaking rank and running towards me. We hugged and shouted lifting each other up and down. We never expected to see each other again. An understanding and sympathetic Skipper (they do exist), allowed this to take pace without throwing either of us in the brig. What a homecoming!

Missing a year of Convention and all the conferences and activities that bring us Legionnaires together re-awoke my memory of Dennis. How good it is to be with those with whom you have served, who understand what you understand, and who share stories and memories of war, military life and Legion lore! For those of us who have been around a while, the comradery is significant. Perhaps in some ways we feel more at home with each other than other gatherings. This time we also shared our losses of natural attrition now enhanced by Covid-19, deepening the meaning of reunion.

As Legionnaires we are beings of faith with a belief in the eternal. So, do you think our time here could be a rehearsal for our gathering over there? Participating in our Memorial Service through the years and at our grave site Color Guard services, I believe I am not alone in holding this belief. We received statistics at Convention that between 2018-20 the veteran population decreased by one-third. How precious and significant are our times together as a Legion family. Hold fast to your faith and continue to place your trust in God. May we all hear “Welcome home”!

“Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!” Ps. 50:5 ESV

L egionnaire L etters

DAVID ROACH

10TH DISTRICT COMMANDER

As we start the 20212022 year it is my honor to be Commander of the terrific tenth district. I have been commander of Selma Post 437 for the past eleven years overseeing an almost complete remodeling of

our post starting in December of 2019. The first order of business for us was to solve a drainage problem for the post and surrounding neighborhood. Since our small town did not have the funds to pay for this, Post 437 used our funds to accomplish this endeavor. Remodeling was completed by June of 2020.

It is my objective to visit as many posts as possible and to help our members understand the many programs we are involved in

Rob Kelley

Greetings from the 3rd District.

Well, here we go again. I would like to express my gratitude to my fellow Legionnaires who have expressed their confidence in me to continue in this position for a third year.

I would like to say to Commander Gullion that I look forward to working with you and the membership team in the upcoming year.

As for the goings on in the district; with the slow lifting of the restrictions, many of our posts are returning to having their kitchens up and running. Nappanee, Post 154 is having their Friday night dinners with a differ-

ent main dish every Friday. New Carlisle Post 297 is resuming their Friday night fish fries and dinners with a vengeance. Michigan City Post 451, along with their dinners is returning to having their Sunday morning breakfasts. Breman Post 191 in conjunction with VFW Post 8972 is opening their dining room for meals. Middlebury Post 210 is also returning to having meals. I am sure that I have missed someone so please contact your local post to see what they have coming up. As of the writing of this message, post goals have not been received. As soon as those are received, I will forward them to all the posts.

I strongly encourage all posts to attend at least two or three district meetings in the upcoming year. The best ones to attend are the ones immediately following a convention. It is at that district meeting where the dis-

writers block!

throughout our communities. Everything from the free life insurance for ALL members to family scholarships and many more that are available for our members and their families. We all want to Aim High For Change this year and remember that nothing is impossible. I look forward to seeing all of you in the nottoo-distant future.

trict committee chairs will be giving their reports and with that you can take that information back to your home posts and spread the word on what The American Legion is doing.

I would also encourage the posts that do not attend a conference, to come on down to Indy to attend a conference. It is a good time along with being able to attend as many committee meetings as you wish and can get the information directly from the source.

Again, I look forward to serving the 3rd District to the best of my abilities. If you need to contact me, please email me at rkelley41@earthlink.net and I will reply just as soon as I can.

“Look, if you had one shot, one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted…in one moment, would you capture it… or just let it slip?” Rapper Eminem wrote these lyrics and they have been my mantra as I have progressed through The American Legion. Even though I have already written this first newsletter article a hundred times in my head, “He’s nervous, but on the surface he looks calm and ready to drop bombs, but he keeps on forgetting what he wrote down, the words won’t come out.” And there it is

So, I will speak to you from my heart. Thank you, thank you to my Post 241 for being my home and thank you to the 4th district for supporting me as I have grown. Thank you to my mentors and thank you to my beautiful wife for putting up with every crazy idea I have. And, finally thank you to the officers of the 4th District who have embarked on this year with me.

So what’s the plan? Onehundred new members in the first hundred days. Have district officers in every post in the first thirty days. Create a new energy throughout the district where Legion programming takes the forefront. Eliminate the paperwork errors that have kept us chasing our tails. Engage our younger veter-

stitution and bylaws and ask question you won’t know that we must change to keep up with the times.

ans by giving them ownership. And, Buddy Check. My program for this year is Buddy Check. “Success is my only option, failures not!”

Ultimately, you can’t lead from the rear. So 4th District Officers have pledged to be proactive. To offer training on my legion. org, not wait for complaints that posts can’t make it work. We will be ensuring that religious emphasis programs like the 4 Chaplains and Post Everlasting are not an afterthought. By encouraging the public to support our posts through a spirited public relations campaign, and by creating an unbreakable bond between the educators who teach our children and The American Legion.

“You can do anything you set your mind to,”

Greeting my fellow Legion Family members. I want to start by thanking all my officers and chairpersons for stepping up to support and help the sixth district. Also, I greatly appreciated past Commander Roy Dowell and all past District Commanders for all the help and guidance they have given me for the last two years.

Let me give you a phrase I heard Department Commander Gullion say “we’ve done it this way always is not always the right way.” But if you don’t get involved and read your con-

The new membership year is well on its way, don’t forget to push the tenyear membership option. With a one-time payment of $350.00, you can lock in your dues, even if the dues are raised by your post, department or national. Just think, no renewal notices to bother you for 10 years. Membership is just not for your membership Chairperson, its everyone’s job.

The American Legion Department of Indiana Youth Cadet Law Academy graduation was held Saturday July 24 at Reardon Auditorium in Anderson, Indiana. It was with pride and honor that I got to support and attend the graduation ceremony.

WE NEED YOU. I invite

you all to attend our district meetings. Please check the department website for meetings dates and times. These meetings will help you stay informed, and they always have good information for you to take back and share with your post.

By the time you read this I hope I have a good start on making visits to posts throughout the district. I know I will meet a lot of great people and hopefully several new friends. Again, I invite you to our monthly district meeting, department conferences, and convention. I know you would find it beneficial and take information back to your post and probably a bunch of new friends.

Until next time, May God bless you, family, friends and the United States of America.

6th DISTRICT COMMANDER

3RD DISTRICT COMMANDER

DAVE MILLER

4TH DISTRICT COMMANDER

Kevin Urbanczyk

I would first like to thank The Legion Family for their support in becoming the 1st District Commander for the 2021-2022 Year. I have a great team of officers to help with membership and to serve our veterans and their families in need. My main focus this year will be concentrated on retaining members and recruiting new members. I will be attending post meetings as well as visiting posts to see how they are doing after dealing with the pandemic last year. I would also like to congratulate our new department Commander Mark Gullion and his team. I am looking forward to working with him and helping him achieve his goals for the 2021-2022 year.

Kevin Brinksneader

Greetings, I would like to thank all of the Legionnaires that placed their trust in me as the 8th District Commander for 20212022. It is an honor to serve and I accept the challenge. Membership as always is the number one priority, along with taking care of our veterans. With hard work and everyone working together we can achieve those goals that will be set in place. As we work towards the new norm, we still need to make buddy checks. There will be drive arounds and post revitalization planned. I would like to thank past Commander John Vannatta and his officers for a job well done for serving the past two years during the pandemic. I will look forward to seeing everyone at the district and post meetings.

The American Legion has many conventions in a year. Yes, you read that right. There are 55 Departments in the Legion covering all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, Mexico, France and the Philippines. All have conventions to select their leadership, present awards and conduct meetings vital to their running of Legion programs. Our Department held its convention the weekend following the Fourth of July between the 8th and the 11th. During that time many awards were handed out, meetings were held and we saw the transition of leadership in our Department.

Allen Connelly stepped down after a consecutive two-year term during which he led the Department

through a pandemic. A twoyear term was not what he signed on for when he took office in 2019 but he saw us through a return to as close to normal as possible.

Department business was conducted, for a time, under COVID guidelines and even through Zoom meetings when possible. Our first gathering as a body was the 2021 Spring Conference which was the first such meeting in more than 400 days.

Replacing him as Department Commander is Mark Gullion who faces the task of continuing the state’s recovery and to bring The Legion to new heights.

A special event was also held in conjunction with the 2021 Convention. The Indiana contingent of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary held their Centennial Anniversary Banquet, delayed a year due to the pandemic. There, all Legion Family entities gathered for the 100th Anniversary celebration.

With August comes the National Convention, this

year in Phoenix, Arizona. This continues the tradition started in November of 1919 of National Conventions – our 102nd. Like State conventions, the National Convention presents awards, conducts business, including the disposition of resolutions affecting the entire Legion and, most importantly, the election of new officers for the year. The National Convention is not all business. There are color guard and band competitions, among other things. Perhaps the most visible is the annual parade. This year’s Legionnaires will have it easy compared to their earlier counterparts when the parade lasted many hours. During the 1919 convention, more than 15,000 Legionnaires marched in the cold, snowy streets of Minneapolis. With the Phoenix heat, some snow would probably be a welcome relief this year

Expanding Services:

Veterans deserve assistance with obtaining all their earned benefits. No one should know this better than The American Legion. As an organization of wartime era veterans, we have been representing veterans with their VA claims since receiving a congressional charter in 1919.

It’s no secret that our membership has declined during the last few years. We do, however, remain one of the most influential nonprofit organizations in the United States and the demand for our veterans’ services continues to grow.

Knowing veterans’ services are one of the most important programs of The American Legion, if not the most important, our veterans’ services program has grown with the demand. We provide quality claims representation services free of charge without membership as a prerequisite, and, therefore, have a never-ending supply of veterans and their dependents and survivors seeking services.

The American Legion Department of Indiana has kept current with this increasing demand for veteran’s services over the last several years by increasing our service office staff from two accredited service officers several years ago to an office staff of seven, plus providing accreditation to

preparing a veterans’ services contact office for opening at the State of Indiana Veterans Center, suite 126 at 777 North Meridian Street in Indianapolis. The office will be open for inoffice claims interviewing services between the hours of 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM each Monday through Friday. We will schedule up to four interviews each day but will also leave time for veterans visiting without appointments. Veterans will find this much more convenient to visit than our service office in the federal building especially when free parking is provided. Our service officer’s main responsibility at the 777-building office will be conducting veterans benefit interviews and helping veterans complete and file VA claims. Veterans will still be able to call our federal building veterans service office for following-up on their claims, for assistance with appealing denied claims, or for scheduling appointments at our 777-building veterans’ services contact office.

These services are provided through funds received from membership dues, grants, and individual donations. Those interested in helping ensure continued services, may donate by going to our website at www. indianalegion.org, clicking the donate key, and donating to The Indiana Legion Legacy Foundation.

If you have questions about veterans benefits or your claim, please contact one of our local American Legion accredited county veterans service officers or call our American Legion

Greetings from the mighty Second District. We finished last year with a 1.2% increase in membership over the previous year. We are excited about this with all the issues of Covid, MyLegion.org and the decline in membership over the past several years. The district is positioned to have another great year in membership with John Mort as the membership chairman this year. John is a retired Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer and brings great

organizational skills to our membership team. Through our combined Leadership, we will see more growth in the Second District.

Over the past year I have spent a large portion of time visiting posts throughout the district. Coming from a small post, I know firsthand the struggles that they face. Last year the concentration was on getting all the district on MyLegion.org.

We ended the year with 38 out of 46 posts registered. This year, we are going to look at ways to help our posts to become more involved in their communities. With increased involvement, comes awareness, followed by membership. We are looking to our Vice Commanders to be the

department is imperative to keep The American Legion the strongest veteran’s organization in the world.

leaders in their areas in this broad project.

As I stated Earlier, I come from a small post. For some the Mission Blue Cap grant program is enough to get them back on their feet. The others will require a more involved program. John Mort, the assigned Vice Commander, and I are going to work one on one with these posts to come up with the best outcome for all involved.

I thank the Department of Indiana for this forum to talk about my district’s state of the district, as my first article.

My fellow legionnaires it is a great honor to lead you into this membership year. Thank you for your service to our great country and your dedication to The American Legion. The American Legion can only grow with your help, you are the most important part of The American Legion.

For over 100 years we have proven how valuable we are to our Community, State and Nation. Now more than ever, we need to take our membership to the next plateau. We would like your input and ideas to make our membership strong and keep us going for the next 100 years. Our strength in numbers gives us a loud voice in legislative matters at State and National levels.

From our programs and our monetary support of our veterans and their families thru CEWF, IVETS and TFA, to our community support and the honors we provide to our fallen comrades, we could not be successful without you. You perform all of these things in a professional, caring and untiring way to let our vets and families know we are here for all of them. Your dedication to your members, post, district and the

We have a commitment to communicate, train and listen to each and every one of you. Department Commander Mark Gullion and his officer’s look forward to visiting with you and discussing the future of The American Legion. Increased communication with each other will lead us to a better understanding of the inner workings of The American Legion. We will also be training at the post and district levels to assist in your learning new and valuable tools to help your members and posts. Finally we need to listen to your thoughts, ideas and challenges for the good of the legion.

The motto this year is #MEMBERSHIPMATTERS and it should matter to each and every one of us. With all of us working together as a team we can accomplish our goals and objectives. It will be a lot of hard work to have a successful membership year but I know we can do it.

Many of you know about our 10-year membership program. The cost is only $350 and will save you money in that ten year period. It will guarantee your membership at the rate of $35.00 each year for the entire period. Keep in mind there has not been a dues increase from National since

the 2017 membership year but it is looming on the horizon so lock in your $35.00 price now to avoid any increases. Sign up today and you will not need to worry about paying dues for the next 9 years. Your post is also guaranteed $5.00 per year of your entire ten year membership.

Check out our website at indianalegion.org. There is a members tab that will include useful information every month to keep us all on track. There will be renewal date information, as well as target dates and upcoming membership events. If you have suggestions or ideas to make the website more user friendly share that information with our Communications Director Josh Marshall at jmarshall@indianalegion. org. He is always willing to listen to new ideas to make it better for all of us.

Please note that per National, there not be a membership report until after the National Convention which ends the 2nd of September.

In closing, I look forward to visiting your post and district so we can exchange ideas and thoughts. Thank you for all you do to make The American Legion what it is today. You are our greatest asset.

You are all part of our membership team and we look forward to working with you all to make this a very successful year.

service department

HISTORIAN

Mitch Mullins

2nd DISTRICT COMMANDER

MEMBERSHIP CHAIRPERSON

8TH DISTRICT COMMANDER

1st DISTRICT COMMANDER

American Legion Family Scholarship (ALFS)

Each winner receives a $1,500 scholarship and plaque

Keegan Abney

Camille Aders

Katharine Janson

Annelise Lollar

Emma Lopp

Macy Newman

Brock Seiler

Claire Witte

Americanism & Government Department winner receives a $1,000 scholarship and plaque

Victoria Pavlinac

Jonathan Williams

Esperanza Gonzalez

Gus Spradling

Elizabeth Lapointe

Austin Gardner

Charlotte Borzenski

Aiden Prado

Miley Loudenber

Caiden Dodson

Eagle Scout of the Year

Andrew Clemmons

Beau Brasseur

James Langmaid

John Schriner Zane Lake

Andrew Clemmons

BSA - Square Knot Award

Anthony Mitchell

Girl Scout Of the Year

Ruth Cronin

Mary Phyllis Buksa

Nicole Crawley

Payton Ross

Arlissa Dumas

Laura Elizabeth Josephine Vaughan

Laura Elizabeth Josephine Vaughan

Amanda Casino

Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) Award

Joshua McDonald

EMS of the Year

Frank Gilbert Jr. Award

Robert Gresley

Frank Gilbert Jr. Award

Sarah Rumage

Frank Gilbert Jr. Award

Department EMS OTY winner

Sarah Rumage

Firefighter of the Year

Martin A. Werner Award

Timothy Bauman

Richard Duncan

Matthew Geary

Howard Stahl

Scott Zoll

Martin A. Werner Award

Department Firefighter OTY winner

Richard Duncan

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett addresses the second general session at the 102nd Department of Indiana Convention.

Sons of the American Legion Detachment Commander making remarks at the 102nd Department of Indiana Convention.

Outgoing 11th District Commander George Alleya pins incoming 11th District Commander Ben Olsen with the District Commander pin.

Past National Commander Jim Koutz swears in the State’s District Commanders.

Annual Employer of the Year ServiceAward recipient Joshua McDonald displays his award.

2020 Distinguished Service Award

James Abrams

Jerry Jordon

Jerry Stevens

2021 Distinguished Service Award

Donald Cole

John French

Donald Hudson

Jeffery Morris

Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) Award

Frankie Billingsley

Military Person of the Year

Garry Murdock Jr.

Bobby Oeth

Garry Murdock Jr.

Military Person of the Year

National Guard Category

Brenton Blair

David Gillespie

Ryan Scherer

David Gillespie

Educator of the Year

7th and 8th grade category

Casie Jesop

7th and 8th grade category

Department Edu OTY - 7th and 8th winner

Casie Jesop

9th thru 12th grade category

Bryan Lineberry

9th thru 12th grade category

Valerie Smith

9th thru 12th grade category

Department Edu OTY - 9th thru 12th winner

Bryan Lineberry

K thru 6th grade category

Tricia Day

K thru 6th grade category

Marlene Jones

K thru 6th grade category

Department Edu OTY - K thru 6th winner

Tricia Day

Large Employer of Veterans Award

Majestic Star Casino

Medium Employer of Veterans Award

Freije Engineered Solutions

Law Officer of the Year

Lewis Schmidt Award

Richard Benzinger

Kevin Gerber

Jonathan Hernandez

Thomas Hixon

Geoffrey North

Kyle Runnels

Jonathan Hernandez

Incoming Department Elected Officers being sworn in by Past

National Commander Jim Koutz.

The parade celebrating the election of the 2021-2022 Department of Indiana Commander Mark Gullion.

2021-2022 Department of Indiana Commander Mark Gullion.takes the oath of office.

Outgoing Department CommanderAllen Connelly pins the Department Commander pin on the newly installed Department Commander.

Department Commander Allen Connelly and Indiana Auxiliary President Jennie Maune present the wreath during the Memorial Ceremony.

Outgoing Sergeant at Arms places the pin of office on incoming Sergeant at Arms Danny Rice.

☐

Sponsored by The Indiana Legion

9/11 Memorial Remembrance Ride

AM, Home Depot, Jasper, IN.

10:30 AM, Owen County Fairgrounds, Spencer, IN.

☐ (Southeast) 8:00 AM, Super ATV, Madison, IN.

☐ (Southeast) 10:00 AM, Amoco Truck Plaza, Greensburg, IN.

☐ (Central) 12:30 PM, Indiana Legion Dept HQ, Indianapolis

LEGIONNAIRES INSURANCE TRUST: Legionnaire Insurance Trust. All dues-paying Legion Family Members, including the American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion members 18 years and older, have the opportunity to enroll and will receive: $5,000 in Accidental Death Coverage for covered accidents that occur if you are traveling on official Legion business, which is defined as ‘traveling to, attending, or returning from an official function at which you represent your Post, District, Department, or National Organization in an official capacity.’ $1,000 for all other covered accidents. 24/7 protection that covers members at home, at work and while they are travelling away from home.

 I wish to enroll in this no-cost benefit.  I DO NOT wish to enroll in this no-cost benefit.

Will you be joining us for a meal at Post 64 after the ride?  Yes  No

RIDE DEDICATION: If you would like to dedicate your ride to someone by name, please provide name(s) here and we will list all memorial rides on the department website

ACCIDENT WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY:

1. I acknowledge that motorcycle activity is a potentially hazardous activity which can be a test of a person’s physical and mental limits and carries with it the potential for death, serious injury and property loss. The risks include, but are not limited to, those caused by terrain, facilities, temperature, weather, condition of riders equipment, vehicular traffic, actions of other people including, but not limited to organizers, participants, volunteers, spectators, agents, The American Legion Department of Indiana and its officers, directors and employees. These risks are not only inherent to riders, but are also present for passengers, spectators and volunteers. I hereby assume all of the risks of participating, viewing and/or volunteering in this event. I realize that liability may arise from negligence or carelessness on the part of the persons or entities organizing or conducting this event and hereby release them of all possible liability. I certify I am at least 18 years old. I promise not to sue and agree to pay all court costs and all attorney fees that result from my action, civil or otherwise.

2. I certify that I am physically fit with no known physical or mental impairment and have prepared for participation in the event(s).

I acknowledge that this Accident Waiver and Release of Liability form will be used by the event holders, sponsors and organizers of the event(s), in which I may participate and that it will govern my actions and responsibilities at said events. I certify that I am not under the influence of any narcotic, alcohol or other drug that may impair my understanding or judgment and that I will not at any time during the event(s) operate my motorcycle under the influence of any narcotic, alcohol or drug. I certify that I have fully adequate insurance to cover all medical claims, the motorcycle and any other equipment and any damage or liability I may ultimately be found responsible for, during all travel to the point of my entry into the event, the event, the period between the end of the event and my return to my final destination. I further certify that I have all the insurance required by law and I am licensed and competent to operate a motorcycle in a safe manner and my license has all motorcycle endorsements or certificates required by my state of residence.

3. In consideration of my being permitted to participate in this event, I hereby take action for myself, my executors, administrators, heirs, next of kin, successors, and assigns as follows:

(A) Waive, Release and Discharge from any and all liability for my death, disability, personal injury, property damage, property theft or actions of any kind which may hereafter accrue to me during the event or during my traveling to and from this event, THE FOLLOWING ENTITIES OR PERSONS: The American Legion Department of Indiana, officers, directors, employees, ride organizers, sponsors, representatives, agents, volunteers and (B) indemnify and hold harmless the entities or persons mentioned in this paragraph from any and all liabilities or claims made by other individuals or entities as a result of any of my actions during this event.

Accordingly, I do hereby release and discharge The American Legion Department of Indiana officers, directors and employees, ride organizers, sponsors, representatives and agents, and their officers, agents and its employees from all claims, demands, and causes of action of every kind whatsoever for any death, damages and /or injuries which may result from my participation in this event. This shall be construed broadly to provide a release and waiver to the maximum extent permissible under applicable law.

4. I hereby consent to receive medical treatment, which may be deemed advisable in the event of injury, accident and or illnesses during the event(s). I agree to pay for any and all costs related to medical response, treatment and transport on my behalf.

5. I certify I will wear the personal protective equipment while operating my motorcycle at this event that is or may be required by the United States and/or any state in which my participation occurs and that my motorcycle and all required personal protective equipment are in safe operational condition. I agree to abide by the directions/rules given by the organizers of this event and understand that my privilege to ride may be removed without refund if I am in violation of the rules set forth or acting/performing in an unsafe manner, or any manner disruptive to the operation of the event(s). The engine displacement of my motorcycle is at least 650cc, the minimum size allowed for participation.

6. I agree to pay for all expenses (including, but not limited to lodging, food, beverages, gasoline, oil, repairs and maintenance and any other costs or expense I may incur) intending that The American Legion Department of Indiana shall be totally free of such costs and expense.

7. As additional consideration for being allowed to participate in the event(s) described below, I hereby assign to The American Legion Department of Indiana any claim I have or might have, in contract or in tort in any way, shape, form or fashion arising out of its action, the actions of other riders or anyone that participates in or comes in contact with participants in the event(s). This assignment is intended by all parties to be a full and complete assignment of any claim I have against The American Legion Department of Indiana and its officers, directors, employees, ride organizers, sponsors, volunteers, representatives and agents, or may have against entities and individuals listed in this paragraph whether directly or through third parties. The intent of the parties is that The American Legion Department of Indiana, its officers, directors, employees, ride organizers, sponsors, volunteers, representatives and agents shall be liability free with regard to anything in any way connected with the event.

8. This is a family friendly event. Please be respectful in all regards. Your road captain has final authority on your allowance to participate.

9. Your registration is a donation to The American Legion Department of Indiana. There are no refunds.

AGREE: I hereby certify that I have read this Waiver, Release and Assignment of Claims in its entirety, and I fully understand it and agree to its contents.

Drivers Signature:_________________________________________ Date:_________________